PARIS (AP) -- England ended 16 years of heartbreak when it won the Women's Rugby World Cup by beating first-time finalist Canada 21-9 on Sunday.

England, the loser in the previous three finals to New Zealand, justified its tag as the heavy favorite at Stade Jean-Bouin by leading a breathless final all the way, and scoring the only two tries.

But Canada made England sweat for every point, and closed within two points with Magali Harvey's third penalty in the 58th minute.

Canada then conceded a penalty receiving the restart, and England center Emily Scarratt kicked the 42-meter penalty to restore a five-point lead. Scarratt then secured England the World Cup, 20 years after its first, with a brilliant solo try in the 73rd, which she also converted.